Jump to content

Anything like FineSSE for MMX?


Recommended Posts

Posted

Is there anything like FineSSE for MMX? I have some older Pentium non-MMX machines that are unable to run some applications that require MMX.


Posted (edited)

What's FineSSE? (Well, I can assume what it does, but any pointers with more info about it?)

Edited by shae
Posted

What's FineSSE? (Well, I can assume what it does, but any pointers with more info about it?)

While your google gets fixed :w00t:, here ;):

jaclaz

Posted (edited)

It's possible but impractical to emulate MMX in software on non-MMX systems. Remember that we're talking about slow processors working with small amounts of memory (and really slow swap drives).

The developers of any app that refuses to run on a non-MMX processor thought it would run too slowly without MMX; to emulate MMX would be to run an app at a very small fraction of the speed its developers thought was too slow!

Early software that took advantage of MMX could also run without it. Try early versions--they might just work!.

Possible hardware upgrades that would also benefit the OS and all software:

  • Socket 8 mainboard: Pentium II Overdrive ($75-$90)
  • Socket 7 mainboard: Pentium-MMX 233 ($20)
  • Socket 5 mainboard: Winchip ($30) or Pentium-MMX Overdrive ($100)
  • Socket 4 mainboard: upgrade mainboard and CPU ($0-$100)

Impractical software solutions:

  • Use virtualization software
    • none for Pentiums without MMX

    [*]Write an error handler that further slows down an already slow system

    • each MMX app would have to be patched to NOT check for MMX

Edited by jumper

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...